It is used to detect and evaluate symptoms of retinal detachment or eye diseases such as glaucoma. Ophthalmoscopy may also be done if you have signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, diabetes, or other diseases that affect the blood vessels.

How do you use an ophthalmoscope?

Place your left hand on the patient's head and place your thumb on their eyebrow. Hold the ophthalmoscope about 6 inches from the eye and 15 degrees to the right of the patient. Find the red reflex. Move in closer, staying nasally until you see the optic nerve.

What professional uses a ophthalmoscope?

In some instances, your eye doctor will use an indirect ophthalmoscope to gain a broader view of your eye's internal structure, especially the retina. With indirect ophthalmoscopes, your eye doctor wears a head visor (like a jeweler) that projects a bright light.